Modular building units

ABSTRACT

A single L-shaped modular building unit comprises an integral end wall and ceiling and incorporates an outwardly depending flange peripherally surrounding the entire modular unit. The overall ceiling length is equal to twice the ceiling width. The outwardly depending peripherally surrounding flange is rectangular along its exposed edge to provide a modular unit which can be easily interconnected with similar units in any desired arrangement. Along the interior facing edge of the flange, the overall rectangular shape incorporates radii of curvature at the ceiling-wall interface for additional aesthetic purposes. The interconnecting portion between the wall and the ceiling is a saddle-shaped curve extending both longitudinally and laterally substantially the entire length of the ceiling and down a substantial portion of the wall. The peripherally surrounding outwardly depending flange of each modular unit is readily interconnected while the saddle-shaped portion provides structural strength to support the weight of the ceiling. The short open end of the unit is closed with two window, wall, or door units which also acts as a support for that end of the ceiling. Four such units may be used to close the long open ends. Thus, structure of widely varying architecture may be built of more multiple units mounted on a floor, slab or deck.

United States Patent [191 Rudkin, Jr. et al.

[451 Apr. 30, 1974 MODULAR BUILDING UNITS [75] Inventors: Henry A. Rudkin, Jr., Fairfield;

Nathaniel C. Wiley, Jr., Weston, both of Conn.

[63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 141,545, May 10,

1971, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 52/79, 52/80, 52/86 [51] Int. Cl E04b 1/348 [58] Field of Search 52/80, 81, 82, 86, 90, 52/79 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,878,905 3/1959 Langermeier 287/l89.36 F 2,934,182 4/1960 Neville 287/189.36 F

2,439,655 4/1948 Grahm 52/585 3,172,170 3/1965 Webster.... 52/585 3,452,636 7/1969 Cohen 287/189.36 F

240,868 5/1881 Waters 52/81 2,871,521 2/1959 Messmore.... 52/588 3,038,278 6/1962 Hauer 52/81 3,289,370 12/1966 Van Etten.... 52/90 3,468,083 9/1969 Camoletti 52/81 3,427,767 2/1969 Schaefer 52/90 3,439,459 4/1969 Silberkuhl.... 52/81;90

2,961,802 11/1960 Morgan 52/222 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,432,006 2/1966 France 52/86 236,281 10/1960 Australia... 52/82 1,362,885 4/1964 France 52/86 1,368,082 6/1964 France 52/90 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Popular Mechanics, Page 105; Oct. 1957. Industrial Design; Pages 64, 65; Jan. 1958.

Primary Examinerl-lenry C. Sutherland Assistant ExaminerHenry E. Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or FirmMattem, Ware and Davis ABSTRACT A single L-shaped modular building unit comprises an integral end wall and ceiling and incorporates an outwardly. depending flange peripherally surrounding the entire modular unit. The overall ceiling length is equal to twice the ceiling width. The outwardly depending peripherally surrounding flange is rectangular along its exposed edge to provide a modular unit which can be easily interconnected with similar units in any desired arrangement. Along the interior facing edge of the flange, the overall rectangular shape incorporates radii of curvature at the ceiling-wall interface for additional aesthetic purposes. The interconnecting portion between the wall and the ceiling is a saddle-shaped curve extending both longitudinally and laterally substantially the entire length of the ceiling and down a substantial portion of the wall. The peripherally surrounding outwardly depending flange of each modular unit is readily interconnected while the saddle-shaped portion provides structural strength to support the weight of the ceiling. The short open end of the unit is closed with two window, wall, or door units which also acts as a support for that end of the ceiling. Four such units may be vused to close the long open ends. Thus, structure of widely varying architecture may be built of more multiple units mounted on a floor, slab or deck.

34 Claims, 30 Drawing Figures l/l970 Great Britain 52/86 WHENTEBAPHO 1974 3 sum 1 m 7 INVENTORS HENRY A. RUDKIN, JR. BY NATHANIEL C. WILEY, JR.

MATTERN WARE AND DAVIS ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAPR 30 1974 3.807; 105

SHEET 2 BF 7 4 FIG. 6

PATENTEWPR 30 I974 SHEET 3 [1F 7 PATENTEDAPR 30 m:

SHEET 5 OF 7 FIG. |6A

PATENTED APR 0 I974 sum 5 OF 7 H N ll IATENTEI] APR 3 0 I974 SHEET 7 [IF 7 FIG. 23

FIG. 22

FIG. 25

FIG. 24

FIG. 26

FIG. 27

1 MODULAR BUILDING UNITS RELATED INVENTION This'application is a continuation-in-part of our application, Ser. No. 141,545, filed May 10, l971 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to building structures, and more particularly to modular building units for erection on an existing floor construction.

The construction of buildings, especially single family homes, has followed substantially identical patterns for many generations. This well-known construction process of manufacturing individual wooden frameworks for the walls and roof, mounting the proper materials for the inner and outer walls to the wall framework, and roofing material to the roof framework is an extremely expensive operation requiring many man hours to complete.

In order to circumvent some of the drawbacks inherent in the conventional building process, various modularized construction units have entered the building market. Generally, the existing modular products suffer from either of two difficulties. First of all, some modular products are merely component parts for home building or small labor-saving devices which have limited utility and are not capable of making any substantial reduction in the overall hoursrequired to construct a building or the skill required for such construction.

The second difficulty generally befalling the remaining entrants in the prefabricated units are their minimal variability or individuality in the possible ways in which the modules can be interconnected to form a completed structure. These modules have relatively few, if any, variations as to which shape or floor plan arrangements the completed structure can take. As a result, each completed structure is extremely similar to every other structure manufactured from the particular modules, thereby eliminating any individual creativity and promoting monotonous redundancy.

Furthermore, many of the existing prefabricated units are completely constructed and decorated at the plant, before shipment. This type of an arrangement results in expensive shipping costs, since the units cannot be stacked, limitation of sites where modules can be constructed, and trade unions difiiculty when inspection approval of finished plumbing and electrical wiring is sought.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of this invention to provide a modular building unit which substantially reduces the man hours required to construct a building.

Another object of this invention isto provide a modular building unit of the above character which lends itself to a multitude of construction variations and floor plan arrangements.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular building unit of the above character which is simple to erect and interconnect with cooperating units and construction hardware to such an extent that an entire building can be constructed by unskilled personme].

An additional object of this invention is to provide modular building units of the above character which promote individual creativity ,and avoid completed structure redundancies.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular building unit of the above character wherein each unit comprises a substantial wall portion and a substantial ceiling portion.

A further object of this invention is to provide a modular building unit of the above character wherein each unit comprises a reinforced foam core surrounded by fiberglass in order to maximize insulation and the strength-to-weight ratio.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mod ular building unit of the above character which is termite-proof as well as color impregnated, providing low maintenance costs and high weathering capability.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular building unit of the above character which is capable of being manufactured with a minimum of training.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a modular building unit of the above character which is capable of being stacked for shipment in order to minimize shipping costs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular building constructed from the modular unitsof the above character wherein each building comprises wide and narrow spaces which allow the placement of windows, doors and wall'panels virtually anywhere.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular building of the above character wherein precon- 'structed window panels, door panels, and wall panels of identical dimensions can be employed throughout as a standard module with no cutting or shaping required.

Other and more specific objects will be apparent from the features, elements, combinations and operating procedures disclosed in the following-detailed description and shown in the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The modular building unit of this invention comprises a unitary structure, capable of forming a substantial portion of one wall and a substantial portion of the ceiling. Each modular unit also incorporates an outwardly depending flange peripherally surrounding the entire modular unit, and'in the preferred embodiment is manufactured with a fiberglass skin surrounding a polyurethane foam core.

The modular unit comprises a concave saddle-shaped portion at the intersection between the wall and ceiling portions. The ceiling decreasingly slopes along the entire ceiling portion until it becomes substantially flat at about six inches from the end of the module. Similarly,

the saddle-shaped portion decreasingly slopes along the wall portion, blending into a substantially flat portion at about five feet from that end of the module. This aesthetically pleasing wall and ceiling curvature is specifically constructed with structural requirements in mind and provides substantial load-carrying strength to assure complete support of the ceiling portion along with any added weight that the ceiling may be exposed to under heavy wind and snow conditions. Since the slope is away from the outwardly depending flange and towards the center of exterior wall portion, this construction also performs as a large channel for directing water run-off away from the flange and down the center of the exterior wall.

formed when a sheet of elastic material is stretched and peripherally secured to two rectangles intersecting at right angles to each other.

The modular units of this invention are presently manufactured in three different forms with each form comprising 'a wall section and a ceiling section. The first modular form incorporates substantially rectangular shaped ceiling and wall portions. The ceiling portion comprises a length of thirteen feet and a width of 6.5

.feet. This two-to-one ratio is extremely important in providing the modular units with great versatility, complete interchangeability, and ready adaptability to virtually unlimited construction arrangement variations.

The second modular unit comprises a curved wall portion with a wedge-shaped ceiling portion. Preferably; the ceiling portion incorporates an over-all shape represented by an isosceles triangle with an included angle of '45". Each leg of the isosceles triangle is equal to thirteen feet, thereby being readily interconnectible with the rectangular modular unit. Also, the use of an included angle of 45 allows two wedge-shaped modular units toserve as a curved wall right angle corner.

The third modular'unit is similar to this second unit, except that the wall portion is flat instead of curved. Since all of the modular units incorporate identical wall height and ceiling length, all modules can be interconnected with each other.

The modularunits are mounted onto an existing floor structure to create a single story or multiple story dwelling. Thefloor construction which is provided for the-units can take any of the conventional forms, such as slab structure, basement construction, or pilesupported. The bottom outwardly depending flange is interconnected with the flooring structure, while the outwardly depending flanges of each module are easily interconnected with adjacentmodules. The remaining areas are enclosed by identical, standardized, preconstructed window, door and wall panels. The standardized window, wall and door panels can be secured, in any desired arrangement, to both the long and short open sides of the modular unit. These panels provide additional supportfor the modular unit while also allowing the creation of an aesthetically pleasing construction with a perfect mixture of the warmth provided by walls and the bright airiness provided by windows.

The resulting single story or multiple story dwelling is easily constructed by unskilled laborers and completely alterable by merely disconnecting any particular modules and rearranging them. Furthermore, additional modular units can be added on at a later date in order to accommodate the changing requirements of a growing family. 7

The modular units of this invention eliminate many of the problems found with existing units. Since the desired dwelling is constructed on site by merely bolting the modular units together, the units can be stacked for shipping, thereby achieving low shipping costs per module. Furthermore, the modules can be manufactured with a minimum of training and a minimum of capitalexpenditure. Therefore, the modules can be manufactured at many 'various locations throughout the country to provide prompt as well as inexpensive delivery. Also, the modular construction lends itself to production'in depressed areas where skilled labor is difficult or impossible to obtain. I

When the modular units have been interconnected to form a particular dwelling, the. necessary plumbing and wiring are then installed. This assures that local inspection standards are met, and possible difficulty with trade unions is eliminated.

The invention accordingly comprises the features, elements, combinations and operating procedures hereinafter disclosed, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature andobjects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in'connection with the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular building unit of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seco'nd'embodimen of the modular building unit of this invention;

' FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the modular building unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the modular building unit of FIG. 1; Y

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the modular building unit of FIG. 1; V

' FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevation that of FIG. 4; I

FIG. 7 is a perspective view depicting the construe-- tion of the compound curved portion of the modular pattern of this invention;

I FIG. 8 is'a top plan view showing a typical floor plan arrangement for the construction of a dwelling using the modular units of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially cut-aw'ay, cross-sectional side elevation view depicting the installation of a preconstructed panel along the long side of amodular building unit of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectionalside elevation view depicting the installation of a preconstructed panel along-the short side of a modular building unit of this invention;

FIGS. 11 through 19 areenlarged detailed top plan views of various construction details for completing the typical dwelling of FIG. 8;

FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away, cross-sectional side elevation view showing the mounting of a door unit along the short side of a modular building unit of this invention; 1

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional, side elevation view depicting the mounting of the wall portion of a modular building unit to a preconstru'cted floor.

FIGS. 22 through 28 show various selected floor plan arrangements employing the modular building unit of this invention; and

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side elevation view partially broken away taken along line 2929 of FIG. 28.

view similar to DETAILED DESCRIPTION Modular building unit 20, best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4,

and 5, incorporates a ceiling section 24 and a wall section 26. Ceiling section 24 comprises substantially flat portion 28 which extends from front edge 30 of modular building unit 20 a distance which is preferably about six inches. The remaining portion of ceiling 24 comprises sloping compound curve portion 32. Curve portion 32 gently slopes into wall section 26, forming a portion thereof along with the substantially flat portion 34 comprising the'lower five feet of wall section 26. Also, modular building unit 20 incorporates an outwardly depending flange 22 which peripherally surrounds unit 20. I

In FIG. 3, the preferred length-to-width ratio of modular unit 20 can best be seen. By manufacturing modular unit 20 with a length L which is equal to twice the modular units width W, the modular unit can be combined in a multitude of different ways. The interconnection of versatility of modular unit 20 is further enhanced by having top edges 36 of flange 22, best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, substantially perpendicular to side edge 38 of flange 22. This rectangular-shaped flange arrangement allows adjacent modular units to be interconnectible along flange 22 at either both the top and sides or along the top section alone. Also, front top edge 37 is perpendicular to edges 36. Consequently,

two-modular units 20 can be interconnected to a third unit by placing edge 37 of the two of the modules into juxtaposition with one edge 36 of the third module. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the inside edge of flange 22 is also substantially rectangular in shape, except for aesthetically pleasing radii of curvature incorporated at the wall-ceiling interface.

Modular units 20 are easily interconnected to each other by mounting bolts in adjacent holes 50, best seen in FIG. 1, in order to securely connect flanges 22 of adjacent units together. Holes 50 are disposed along flange 22 in a predefined pattern which allows easy bolting of adjacent units regardless of the desired unit orientation. The preferred pattern comprises placing holes 50 in flange 22 along edges 36 that are identical to two adjacent hole patterns in flange 22 along edge 37.

In FIG. 1, preconstructed panels 70 are shown mounted to modular unit 20. Every panel 70 is preconstructed with identical dimensions, and is then mounted on either the long or short side of unit 20. In the preferred embodiment, the width W of modular unit 20 is 6 feet 6 inches, and the length L is 13 feet. The width of every interchangeable panel 70 is nominally 3 feet 3 inches, and the completely interchangeable panels are mounted inwardly along the width and outwardly along the length. As is more fully described below, this arrangement allows all panels 70 to have identical dimensions and, therefore, to be completely interchangeable.

The only variations in panels 70 are the types available; As shown in FIG. 1, the three most desirable types are door panels 67, solid panels 68, and window panels 69. These have been found to be the most universally applicable, and can be arranged in any desired configuration along any open wall, since each one is completely interchangeable with the other. Also, in the preferred embodiments, panels 70 are constructed with a width of 3 feet 2 /16 inches. This provides a sufficient gap for insulation to be placed between abutting panels.

Another embodiment of the modular building unit can best be seen in FIG. 2. Modular building unit 40 incorporates an upstanding peripherally surrounding flange 22 and a curved section 24. The ceiling portion 42 preferably comprises an isosceles triangular shape wherein the angle A is equal to degrees. The flange sections which form the legs of the isosceles triangle are equal to length L of modular unit 20. Wall section 44 comprises an overall concavely curved shape with section 24 forming an oppositely curved portion thereof. This construction is preferred in order to create a unique effect for providing a 45 angle corner in a particular home by using only two modular units 40. The pattern of holes along flange 22 of unit 40 is identical to the hole pattern along the side flange of unit 20. If desired, however, the wall section could be substantially flat, as is wall portion 26 of unit 20. This construction can best be seen by the lines in phantom in FIG. 23.

Referring to FIG. '6, it is important to note that the distance between front edge 30 of modular unit 20 and floor unit 39 is preferably equal to more than eight feet. This distance along with the preferred five foot height of wall section 34, provides assurance that individuals as tall as six feet six inches can comfortably stand with their side against wall 26 without hitting their head on sloping portion 32.

The evolution and definition of the compound curved portion of the modular units master patterns of this invention are best understood by referring to FIG. 7. Wooden framework members 51, 52, 53, 54, and 56 are interconnected to each other to form the basic modular framework while also representing the upstandingperipherally surrounding flange 22 of FIG. 1. Plywood section 57 is mounted to member 51 and portions of members 52 and 53, and represents the flat portion 28 of ceiling section 24 of modular unit 20 (FIG. 6). Plywood section 58 is mounted to member 56 and portions of members 54 and 55 and represents substantially flat portion 34 of wall section 26 of modular unit 20.

The compound curved portion of modular unit 20 was developed by peripherally securing elastic material to members 52, 53, 54, and 55, and to plywood sections 57 and 58. In order to completely peripherally secure elastic material 60 to modular framework, material 60 had to be stretched from side to side and top to bottom. This stretching process generated a family of circular line segments extending from edge 61 to edge 62 of material 60. The largest diameter circular line segments are in the area where material 60 is stretched to be mounted to the intersection of studs 52 .and 54 and studs 53 and 55. From this largest diameter area, the diameters of the circular line segments slowly decrease in opposite directions until becoming substantially flat at edges 61 and 62.

Running substantially perpendicularly to the family of circular line segments is a family of elliptical line segments 66. Elliptical line segments 66 run parallel to and extend from side 63 to side 64 of elastic material 60. The greatest elliptical curvature is found near sides 63 and 64, with the shallowest elliptical curvature along the midline between sides 63 and 64 of material 60.

An exact mathemtical definition of the family of circular line segments and the family of elliptical line segments is not readily obtainable or entirely meaningful.

This compound curvature, along with its many variations, is best defined simply as the equilibrium curvature formed by stretching a sheet of elastic material and peripherally securing this material to two rectangles intersecting substantially at right angles to each other. The resulting construction is two rectangular panels substantially perpendicular to each other with an intermediate curved zone concavely arrayed inwardly from the intersection of the panels.

In FIG. 8, a typical floor plan of a single story dwelling is shown for exemplary purposes. This particular planemploys 13 modular building units of this invention to provide aspacious living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and three bedrooms. Also shown are optional front and rear wooden decks. A detailed explanation of the typical construction and interconnection requirements for employing the modular units of this invention is found below in the discussion of FIGS. 9 through 21.

The procedure for mounting identical preconstructed window, door, and solid panels to both the long and short open sides of modular unit can best be seen by referring to FIGS. 9 and 10. In these views, it can best be seen that modular unit 20 preferably comprises a foamed polyurethane core 71 surroundingly enclosed by a fiberglass shell 72. The outwardly depending flange 22 of modular unit 20 comprises a wooden core 74 which is peripherally surrounded by fiberglass shell 72. In order to aid draining and prevent water seepage, fiberglass shell 72 is extended beyond the slanted edge of wooden core 74 to provide a fiberglass lip 76. When modular unit 20 is secured to wooden facing 78, cap 80 is placed along the edge of lip 76 and facing 78 to prevent water seepage therebetween.

Wooden facing 78 is preferably secured to flange 22 by means of bolts 82, and mailed in the conventional manner to floor unit 39. While wooden facing 78 is not structurally. required, the inclusion of the facing provides an added weather tightness and water shed as well as attractiveness to the completed structure.

In FIG. 9, the attachment of preconstructed panel 70 to the longer open side of modular unit 20 is depicted. In order to secure preconstructed panel 70 to modular unit 20, an angle iron 84 must first be secured to flange 22 by mounting screws 83 in wooden core 74 of flange 22. Also, flashing 86 is mounted along angle iron 84 to provide proper water drainage.

Before panel 70 is mounted in place, wooden sill 88 is bolted to joist 89 of floor unit 39. Panel 70 is then mounted in place just outside of flange 22 of modular unit 20 by securing the top wooden frame 90 of panel 70 to angle iron 84 by means of screws 83 and the bottom wooden frame 91 to sill 88 by means of screws 92. Flashing 86 is also mounted along bottom frame 91 in order to provide the desired drainage. The use of sill 88 is optional, and, if desired, floor unit 39 can be constructed longer so that frame 91 is screwed directly into joist 89. Y

The construction is completed by bonding a pressure sensitive vinyl strip 94 to wooden frame 90, along the corner where modular unit 20 meets panel 70. This vinyl strip provides an attractive interior molding strip while also hiding possibly unsightly comers. The strip isbonded only to framework 90 in order to allow the I different expansion and contraction characteristics of panel and modular unit 20 to occur naturally without pulling or tearing strip 94.

The mounting or preconstructed panel 70 along the short, front open edge of modular unit 20 can best be seen in FIG. 10. Flat portion 28 of ceiling section 24 of modular unit 20 preferably extends from front edge 30 a distance of about six inches, and incorporates a wooden core 96 which is surroundingly encompassed by fiberglass shell 72. Wooden core 96 serves as the mounting beam for panel 70.

In order to securely mount panel 70 to modular unit 20, wooden frame of panel 70 is screwed to wooden core 96 of modular unit 20 while bottom frame 91 of panel 70 is screwed to joist 89 of floor unit 39. Once flashing 86 has been secured along bottom framework 91, and pressure sensitive urethane strip is bonded to top frame 90, as previously described, panel 70 is completely installed ready for use. I

In FIG. 9 it can be seen that when panel 70 is mounted to the longer side of modular unit 20, panel 70 is positioned beyond the outer surface of flange 22. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that when panel 70 is mounted on the shorter side of modular unit 20', panel 70 is positioned within the outer surface of flange 22 and attached directly to the ceiling section 24 of modular unit 20. As will be more fully described below, this particular construction allows identical panels 70 to be employed for mounting as both the short and long walls. Also, this construction eliminates the need for difficult mitering of abutting corners.

As is obvious to one skilled in the art, all interconnections and abutting mounting surfaces should be fully caulked in-the well known manner to provide required weather proofing and eliminate undesirable drafts.

The details of construction for the floor plan of FIG. 8 are shown in FIGS. 11-19. In FIG. 11, the construction details for mounting a preconstructed panel 70 to flange 22 along the side edge 38 can best be seen. Also shown is the arrangement for vertical attaching of interior partitions to modular units 20 when the modular units are facing in opposite directions. Side wooden frame 99 of preconstructed panel 70 is secured in abutting contact with modular unit 20 by mounting screws 82 through frame 99 into wooden core 74 of flange 22. Predrilled hole 50 is closed off by means of plug assembly 100 in order to assure that no moisture will leak into the dwelling.

In order to erect interior walls 101, wood stud 102 is first nailed to the interior edge of wall portion 26 of modular unit 20, by simply driving nails through wooden'stud 102 and into wooden core 74 of flange 22. Walls 101 are then nailed to wooden stud 102 in the conventional manner well known in the construction field, and shaped, if necessary, to the curvature of the ceiling portion of modular unit 20. The construction is then completed by bonding vinyl molding strip 94 to fiberglass skin 72 of modular unit 20, and securing wood molding 104 to all exposed, unfinished corners.

In FIG. 12, the'right angle interconnection of modular unit 20 with preconstructed panel 70 can best be seen. This right angle interconnection is easily accomplished by securing a wooden stud 106 to the outer surface of flange 22 by screwing bolt 82 through predrilled hole 50 into wooden stud 106, using a bushing in predrilled hole 50 for a smaller diameter lag screw 82. Preconstructed panel 70 is then easily mounted in the desired position by bolting wooden framework 99 to wooden stud 106.

The interconnection of a preconstructed solid panel 70-A to a preconstructed door panel 70-B at right an- 110 substantially at right angles to panel 70-A. The I door 108 is prehung in panel 70-B, and once the panel 70-B is installed, door 108 is ready for use.

The interconnection of adjacent modular units which face in the same direction and mounting of interior walls thereto is best seen in FIG. 14. Adjacent modular units are quickly secured to each other by fastening bolts 111 through holes 50 of flanges 22. As previously described, interior walls 101 are mounted to wall portion 26 of modular unit 20 by first nailing wooden stud 102 to the wooden cores 74 of flanges 22. Walls 101 are then nailed to stud 102 while vinyl molding strip 94 is secured to modular unit 20, as previously described.

The interconnection of preconstructed panel 70 to the flange side of modular unit 20 is shown in FIG. 15. This construction interconnection is easily achieved by merely securing screws 82 through wooden frame 99.0f preconstructed panel 70 and into wooden core 74 of flange 22 of modular unit 20.

In FIG. 16, the right angle interconnection of two preconstructed panels can best be seen. As previously described, preconstructed panels 70 are mounted outside modular unit 20 along the long sides and inside modular unit 20 along the short edge. As a result, mitering of corners is not required and the right angle interconnection of two panels 70 is quickly achieved by merely bolting wooden framework 99 of one of the panels to wooden framework 99 of the second panel. Panels 70 do not physically intersect each other since each panel 70 comprises identical dimensions and one is mounted interiorly while the other is mounted exteriorly of a modular unit 20.

The interconnection and maintenance of two adjacent preconstructed panels at a fixed, desired gap spacingis shown in FIG. 16A. Both preconstructed panels 70 incorporate pre-tapped holes 126 in framework 99, with holes 126 located in substantially identical positions. The two adjacent panels 70 are positioned with a desired gap between frames 99 with a strip of insulation secured therebetween. Screws 82 are then inserted into the diametrically aligned holes 126. Since holes 126 are tapped, the use of screws 82 provides assurance that the desired gap spacing is maintained, while being completely incapable of altering the gap spacing regardless of the torque applied.

In FIG. 17, the procedure for the exterior mounting of panel 70 to modular unit 20 can best be seen. Preconstructed panel 70 is easily secured to modular unit 20 by merely screwing wooden frame 99 of panel 70 to fiberglass lip 76 of modular unit 20, using screws 82. This exterior mounting of panel 70 to modular unit 20 provides assurance that identical preconstructed panels are effectively employed for both the long and short walls of modular unit 20. Also, as described above, this construction eliminates the requirement for mitered corners while providing for a quickly achieved bolted interconnection.

The preferred construction for securing an abutting preconstructed panel and interior wall to modular unit 20 can best be'seen in FIG. 18. Wooden stud 1 16 is first bolted to outwardly depending flange 22 of modular unit 20 and wooden stud 118 is nailed to stud 116. Wooden frame 99 of preconstructed panel is secured to stud l 18 by means of screws 82. Then, interior wall stud l 19 is erected and wall panels 101 are nailed to studs 118 and 119; Finishing touches are provided by securing vinyl molding strip 94to modular unit 20, as described above, and nailing molding strip 104 to the exposed edges of wall panel 101.

In FIG. 19, the mounting of preconstructed door panel 70-B to modular unit 20 can best be seen. Wooden stud 120 is first mounted to flange 22 of modular unit 20 by securing bolts 82 through holes 50 and into stud 120. Wooden frame 122 of preconstructed door panel 70-B is then bolted to wooden stud 120. A door 123 and hinges 124 are all premounted in panel 70-B, and once preconstructed panel 70-B is secured in place, door 123 is ready for use.

In FIG. 20, further construction details are depicted for mounting preconstructed door panel 70-B along the short wall of modular unit 20. The securement of door panel 70-B to ceiling section 24 of modular unit 20 is essentially identical to the securement of preconstructed panel 70 as described above in reference to FIG. 10. Top wooden frame 127 of door panel 70-B is secured inwardly of edge 30 of modular unit 20 by mounting screws 82 through frame 127 and into wooden core 96 of modular unit 20. In order to insure proper insulation, door threshold 130 and gasket 132 are placed beneath door 123 of door panel 70-B and then properly shimmed to provide easy door opening as well as complete insulation. When properly positioned, door threshold 130 is secured to plywood subfloor 47 of floor unit 39 and wooden facia 78.

The interconnection of modular unit 20 with the preconstructed floor unit 39 can best be seen in FIG. 21. As shown therein, outwardly depending flange 22 of modular unit 20 incorporates a right angled lip extension 134 which is provided with holes 136. Modular unit 20 is positioned on floor unit 39 with flange'22 resting on plywood subfloor 47 of unit 39 with lip' extension 134 extending beyond subfloor 47 juxtaposed to joist 89 of unit 39. Modular unit 20 is then secured in this position by bolting lip extension 134 to joist 89 using bolts 1'11.

In FIGS. 22 through 26, various representative dwelling floor plans employing both embodiments of the modular unit of this invention are depicted. While virtually an infinite variety of floor plans can be generated employing the modular units of this invention, the representative plan depicted herein provide some idea of the great variety of individual creativity that can be exercised by one who is desirous of breaking away from housing the design standardization and imitation which permeates the construction industry.

The preferred arrangement of modular units '20 of this invention to provide a single room as large as 26 feet by l9 /& feet is depicted in FIG. 27. In order to provide the proper ceiling support for this modular arrangement, reinforcing bars are mounted along the outwardly depending flanges of two of the modular units securely bolted together by bolt units 141 where the two flanges abut each other. These two modular units are selected, since they are the only two units 1 1 which together completely span one dimension and also abuttingly overlap each other. It is believed that larger open rooms without any additional vertical support would not be feasible since no two flanges can be interconnected with reinforcing bars that will span the entire construction.

In FIG. 28, an additional modular arrangement for providing large open rooms is shown. A plurality of modular units 20 are arranged in pairs with their short, open wall edges abutting each other. Any desired number of modules can be arranged in this manner to provide a room that is 26 feet wide and as long as desired. However, to assure that each modular unit 20 will be provided with sufficient vertical support, I-beam 144 is positioned between and bolted to flanges 22 of modular units 20, best seen in FIG. 29. l-beam 144-is then supported vertically in the conventional manner well known in the art.

Although the modular units of this invention have been described for the construction of a single story dwelling, with the longer section of the unit forming the ceiling and the shorter section forming the wall, it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that the modular units of this invention may also be used for other purposes such as multistory dwelling and split-level dwellings.

Furthermore, dwellings can be constructed by mounting the modular unit on its side and stacking additional units on top. Also, the modular unit can be constructed with the longer section of the unit serving as a wall section and the shorter section of the unit serving as a ceiling section.

, It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be .made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative so as to obtain the benefit of all equivalents to which the invention is fairly entitled.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention, herein described, and all statements of the scope of the. invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as 'new and desire to secure by-Letters Patent is:

1. A building structure comprising: A. a plurality of rectangular flat preconstructed panels all the same size; and B. a plurality of unitary building modules of identical size, each comprising a. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which are defined by l. a first surface comprising a substantially solid, opening free, flat plane forming part of said wall portion, and 2. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly, forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, and b. a plurality of flange sections l. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion,

2. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said'angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,

3. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, each flange section being in substantially normal to and in abutting contact with adjacent flange sections,

4. each of said six flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of adjacent modules,

5. the flange sections forming the width of said ceiling portions being equivalent to an integral multiple of the width of said preconstructed panels, 6.-the flange sections forming the length of said ceiling portions being substantially equivalent to a multiple of said ceiling width flange sec I tions, and 7. each of said flange sections further comprising, aa. a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange sections,

bb. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly'enveloping said reinforcing member, and

cc. an extension portion lying in the plane of the flange section andforming the terminating edge thereof, and comprising at least two integrally bonded layers of said fiberreinforced material.

2. The building structure defined in claim 1, further comprising a capping strip peripherally surrounding abutting extension portions of abutting modules, thereby preventing the penetration of moisture between the flange sections of adjacent modules.

3. A building structure as defined in claim 1 wherein at least two of said modules are juxtaposed with ceiling flange sections thereof of identical length abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, each of said abutting flange sections extending from the wall portion of its respective module and said wall portions being substantially parallel and facing in opposite directions.

4. A building structure as defined in claim 1 wherein at least two of said modules are juxtaposedwith ceiling flange sections thereof of identical length abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, only one of said abutting ceiling flange sections extending from the wall portion of its respective module and said wall portions forming a substantially right angle therebetween.

5. A building structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the wall portion of one of said abutting modules lies in substantially the same plane as a ceiling flange section of the abutting module and a plurality of said preconstructed panels abutting said abutting flange section in substantially the same plane as said abutting wall portion and closing said module.

6. The building structure defined in claim 1, wherein the vertical members of adjacent preconstructed panels comprise threaded holes and are interconnected and securely held in position with a fixed gap therebetween by screw means advanced through said threaded holes,

whereby secure retention of said members with the desired gap therebetween is assured since additional torque on the screws will be unable to draw the members more closely together.

7. The unitary building module as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise window panels.

8. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein the relative width dimensions of said preconstructed panels, said ceiling width flange sections, and said ceiling length flange sections comprise a ratio of l:2:4.

9. The preconstructed dwelling defined in claim 1, wherein said first surface of each of said modules comprises a height of at least lg inches, thereby providing a dwelling having a continuous, substantially flat wall for use with conventional home furnishings.

10. The dwelling structure defined in claim 1, wherein said second surface of said modular unit comprises a substantially anti-synclastic curved plane.

11. The dwelling structure defined in claim 1, wherein said ceiling portion of said module unit is further defined as comprisingi 3. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxtaposition to said second surface, forming the terminating end of said ceiling portion.

12. The dwelling structure defined in claim 11, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially rectangular shape.

13. The dwelling structure defined in claim 12, wherein said preconstructed panels are mounted outwardly of said ceiling length flange sections, and said preconstructed panels are mounted inwardly of said ceiling width flange sections.

14. The unitary building module as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise door panels.

15. The unitary building modules as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise solid panels.

16. A unitary building module comprising:

A. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which comprise a. a first surface comprising a substantially flat solid, opening free, plane forming part of said wall portion, and

b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and comprising a substantially anticlastic curved plane inwardly disposed of said angle and forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder-of said wall portion; and

B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generallynormal thereto,

c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module,

d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear,

e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules,

f. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion, and

g. each of said flange sections comprising 1. a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange section, and

2. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member.

17. The unitary building module as defined in claim 16, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially rectangular shape.

18. The unitary building module as defined in' claim 16, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially triangular shape. I

19. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said flange sections are further defined as comprising an extension portion forming the terminating edge thereof.

20. The unitary building module defined in claim 19, wherein:

A. said flange sections comprise a wooden core, thereby preventing moisture penetration into said wooden core; and

B. said extension portion lies in the mating planes of said flange sections and comprises integrally bonded layers of said fiber-reinforced material.

21. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein a wall width flange section comprises a longitudinally extending fin disposed substantially normal to said extension portion, whereby positioning of said module on a floor unit allows said fin to be mounted to the floor unit for supporting the module.

22. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said flange is provided with a plurality of spaced holes arranged in a predefined pattern, assuring ready interconnection of modules regardless of module orientation. 7

23. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein the interior edge of said flange sections incorporates radii of curvature about the line of intersection of said wall and ceiling portions.

24. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, further comprising a wooden core longitudinally extending along at least one edge of said module, inwardly disposed from said edge.

25. The unitary building module defined in claim 24, wherein said edge is the ceiling width edge of the modular unit.

26. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, further comprising:

C. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxtaposition to said second surface, forming the terminating end of said ceiling portion.

27. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said first surface comprises .a substantially rectangular shape having a vertical height of at least 18 inches, hereby providing a wall with which conventional home furnishings can be used.

15 28. The unitarybuilding module defined in claim 16,

wherein said flange sections are further defined as comprising:

e. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion.

29. The unitary building module as defined in claim- 28, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable preconstructed panels adapted for mounting along the sides of the module and having a width which is a multiple of the length of said ceiling width flange section of said module, thereby assuring complete modular enclosure by identically shaped panels.

30. The unitary building module defined in claim 28,

wherein said ceiling length flange section is twice as long as said ceiling width flange section.

31. A unitary building module comprising: A. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which comprise a. a first surface comprising a substantially solid, opening free, flat plane forming part of said wall portion, and

b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly of said angle forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion;

B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of saidflange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,

.c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module,

d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear,

e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules,

f. the flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being substantially equivalent to twice the dimension of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion, and

g. each of said flange sections incorporating a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange section; and

C. said wall and ceiling portions and said flange sections formed of a composite laminate incorporating a. a first surface comprising a plurality of straight vertical parallel lines having a vertical height of 16 atl astfi.inchesjqrrninsa 2 d. Opening w section of said wall portion, '7 V b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and comprising a substantially anticlastic curved plane inwardly disposed of said angle and forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, and

c. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxtaposed contact with said second surface, forming the terminating edge of said ceiling portion, and

d. said surfaces formed of a composite laminate incorporating an insulating core surroundingly enveloped by a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material; and

B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,

c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module,

d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear,

e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules,

f. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of saidceiling portion, and

g. each of said flange sections comprising 1. a'reinforcing member extendingthroughout said flange section, and 2. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member. v 33. A building structure comprising: A. a plurality of rectangular flat preconstructed panels all the same size; and B. a plurality of identical unitary building modules of identical size, each comprising a. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which are defined by l. a first surface comprising a substantially solid, opening free, flat plane forming part of said wall portion, and

2. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly, forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, b. four flange sections 1. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion in a direction generally normal thereto 2. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto, 3. said four flange sections each lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with abutting flange sections of adjacent modules, 4. flange sections in the same side of a module lying in the same plane and being joined together at substantially a right angle 5. the distance between the flange sections extending outwardly of said ceiling portions being equivalent to an integral multiple of the width of said preconstructed panels, and 6. the length of the flange sections extending outwardly of said ceiling portions being substantially equivalent to a multiple of said distance between flange sections; whereby adjacent modular units may be interconnected along said flange sections with their respective wall portions either adjacent to each other, diagonally opposed to each other, or substantially perpendicular to each other, in a desired predetermined pattern and said identically-shaped preconstructed panels are secured to the open sides of the peripheral modules, forming the remaining needed wall enclosures for the building structure; and

C. at least two of said modules being juxtaposed with ceiling flange sections thereof abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, and said wall portions being substantially parallel and facing in opposite directions. 34. A building structure as defined in claim 33 wherein said abutting ceiling flange sections abut over their entire length.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CCRRECTION 3,807, 105 April 30, 1974 Patent No. Dated Inventor) Henry A. Rudkin, Jr. and Nathaniel C. Wiley, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 6, Line 65, "mathemtical" should be mathematical Column 7, Line 38, "mailed" should be nailed Column 10, Line 54,"plan" should be plans Column 16, Line 68, "thereto" ends paragraph.

"3. said" starts new paragraph.

Column 14, Line 26, Delete "A. said flange sections comprise a wooden core, thereby preventing moisture penetration into said wooden core; and

Signed and Sealed thisthirtieth D f March 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN 4 93 18 ffi Commissioner oj'lare'nts and Trademarks 

1. A building structure comprising: A. a plurality of rectangular flat preconstructed panels all the same size; and B. a plurality of unitary building modules of identical size, each comprising a. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which are defined by
 1. a first surface comprising a substantially solid, opening free, flat plane forming part of said wall portion, and
 2. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly, forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, and b. a plurality of flange sections
 1. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion,
 2. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,
 3. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, each flange section being in substantially normal to and in abutting contact with adjacent flange sections,
 4. each of said six flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of adjacent modules,
 5. the flange sections forming the width of said cEiling portions being equivalent to an integral multiple of the width of said preconstructed panels,
 6. the flange sections forming the length of said ceiling portions being substantially equivalent to a multiple of said ceiling width flange sections, and
 7. each of said flange sections further comprising, aa. a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange sections, bb. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member, and cc. an extension portion lying in the plane of the flange section and forming the terminating edge thereof, and comprising at least two integrally bonded layers of said fiber-reinforced material.
 2. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly, forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, and b. a plurality of flange sections
 2. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,
 2. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member.
 2. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member.
 2. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly, forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, b. four flange sections
 2. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto,
 3. said four flange sections each lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with abutting flange sections of adjacent modules,
 2. The building structure defined in claim 1, further comprising a capping strip peripherally surrounding abutting extension portions of abutting modules, thereby preventing the penetration of moisture between the flange sections of adjacent modules.
 3. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxtaposition to said second surface, forming the terminating end of said ceiling portion.
 3. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, each flange section being in substantially normal to and in abutting contact with adjacent flange sections,
 3. A building structure as defined in claim 1 wherein at least two of said modules are juxtaposed with ceiling flange sections thereof of identical length abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, each of said abutting flange sections extending from the wall portion of its respective module and said wall portions being substantially parallel and facing in opposite directions.
 4. each of said six flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of adjacent modules,
 4. flange sections in the same side of a module lying in the same plane and being joined together at substantially a right angle
 4. A building structure as defined in claim 1 wherein at least two of said modules are juxtaposed with ceiling flange sections thereof of identical length abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, only one of said abutting ceiling flange sections extending from the wall portion of its respective module and said wall portions forming a substantially right angle therebetween.
 5. the distance between the flange sections extending outwardly of said ceiling portions being equivalent to an integral multiple of the width of said preconstructed panels, and
 5. A building structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the wall portion of one of said abutting modules lies in substantially the same plane as a ceiling flange section of the abutting module and a plurality of said preconstructed panels abutting said abutting flange section in substantially the same plane as said abutting wall portion and closing said module.
 5. the flange sections forming the width of said cEiling portions being equivalent to an integral multiple of the width of said preconstructed panels,
 6. The building structure defined in claim 1, wherein the vertical members of adjacent preconstructed panels comprise threaded holes and are interconnected and securely held in position with a fixed gap therebetween by screw means advanced through said threaded holes, whereby secure retention of said members with the desired gap therebetween is assured since additional torque on the screws will be unable to draw the members more closely together.
 6. the length of the flange sections extending outwardly of said ceiling portions being substantially equivalent to a multiple of said distance between flange sections; whereby adjacent modular units may be interconnected along said flange sections with their respective wall portions either adjacent to each other, diagonally opposed to each other, or substantially perpendicular to each other, in a desired predetermined pattern and said identically-shaped preconstructed panels are secured to the open sides of the peripheral modules, forming the remaining needed wall enclosures for the building structure; and C. at least two of said modules being juxtaposed with ceiling flange sections thereof abutting and with the wall portions thereof not abutting, and said wall portions being substantially parallel and facing in opposite directions.
 6. the flange sections forming the length of said ceiling portions being substantially equivalent to a multiple of said ceiling width flange sections, and
 7. The unitary building module as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise window panels.
 7. each of said flange sections further comprising, aa. a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange sections, bb. a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material surroundingly enveloping said reinforcing member, and cc. an extension portion lying in the plane of the flange section and forming the terminating edge thereof, and comprising at least two integrally bonded layers of said fiber-reinforced material.
 8. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein the relative width dimensions of said preconstructed panels, said ceiling width flange sections, and said ceiling length flange sections comprise a ratio of 1:2:4.
 9. The preconstructed dwelling defined in claim 1, wherein said first surface of each of said modules comprises a height of at least 18 inches, thereby providing a dwelling having a continuous, substantially flat wall for use with conventional home furnishings.
 10. The dwelling structure defined in claim 1, wherein said second surface of said modular unit comprises a substantially anti-synclastic curved plane.
 11. The dwelling structure defined in claim 1, wherein said ceiling portion of said module unit is further defined as comprising:
 12. The dwelling structure defined in claim 11, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially rectangular shape.
 13. The dwelling structure defined in claim 12, wherein said preconstructed panels are mounted outwardly of said ceiling length flange sections, and said preconstructed panels are mounted inwardly of said ceiling width flange sections.
 14. The unitary building moDule as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise door panels.
 15. The unitary building modules as defined in claim 1, wherein said preconstructed panels comprise solid panels.
 16. A unitary building module comprising: A. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which comprise a. a first surface comprising a substantially flat solid, opening free, plane forming part of said wall portion, and b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and comprising a substantially anticlastic curved plane inwardly disposed of said angle and forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion; and B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto, c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear, e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules, f. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion, and g. each of said flange sections comprising
 17. The unitary building module as defined in claim 16, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially rectangular shape.
 18. The unitary building module as defined in claim 16, wherein said third surface comprises a substantially triangular shape.
 19. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said flange sections are further defined as comprising an extension portion forming the terminating edge thereof.
 20. The unitary building module defined in claim 19, wherein: A. said flange sections comprise a wooden core, thereby preventing moisture penetration into said wooden core; and B. said extension portion lies in the mating planes of said flange sections and comprises integrally bonded layers of said fiber-reinforced material.
 21. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein a wall width flange section comprises a longitudinally extending fin disposed substantially normal to said extension portion, whereby positioning of said module on a floor unit allows said fin to be mounted to the floor unit for supporting the module.
 22. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said flange is provided with a plurality of spaced holes arranged in a predefined pattern, assuring ready interconnection of modules regardless of module orientation.
 23. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein the interior edge of said flange sections incorporates radii of curvature about the line of intersection of said wall and ceiling portions.
 24. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, further comprising a wooden core longitudinally extending along at least one edge of said module, inwardly disposed from said edge.
 25. The unitary building module defined in claim 24, wherein said edge is the ceiling width edge of the modular unit.
 26. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, further comprising: C. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxTaposition to said second surface, forming the terminating end of said ceiling portion.
 27. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said first surface comprises a substantially rectangular shape having a vertical height of at least 18 inches, hereby providing a wall with which conventional home furnishings can be used.
 28. The unitary building module defined in claim 16, wherein said flange sections are further defined as comprising: e. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion.
 29. The unitary building module as defined in claim 28, further comprising a plurality of interchangeable preconstructed panels adapted for mounting along the sides of the module and having a width which is a multiple of the length of said ceiling width flange section of said module, thereby assuring complete modular enclosure by identically shaped panels.
 30. The unitary building module defined in claim 28, wherein said ceiling length flange section is twice as long as said ceiling width flange section.
 31. A unitary building module comprising: A. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which comprise a. a first surface comprising a substantially solid, opening free, flat plane forming part of said wall portion, and b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and concavely arrayed inwardly of said angle forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion; B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto, c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear, e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules, f. the flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being substantially equivalent to twice the dimension of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion, and g. each of said flange sections incorporating a reinforcing member extending throughout said flange section; and C. said wall and ceiling portions and said flange sections formed of a composite laminate incorporating an insulating core completely enveloped by a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material, providing a structurally sound modular unit having slanted roof surfaces for drainage and substantially flat wall surfaces for use with conventional home furnishings.
 32. A unitary building module comprising: A. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which comprise a. a first surface comprising a plurality of straight vertical parallel lines having a vertical height of at least 18 inches, forming a solid, opening free, section of said wall portion, b. a second surface in abutting juxtaposition to said first surface forming an angle therebetween and comprising a substantially anticlastic curved plane inwardly disposed of said angle and forming substantially the entire ceiling portion and the remainder of said wall portion, and c. a third surface comprising a substantially flat plane in abutting juxtaposed contact with said second surface, forming the terminating edge of said ceiling portion, and d. said surfaces formed of a composite laminate incorporating an iNsulating core surroundingly enveloped by a shell of fiber-reinforced composite material; and B. a plurality of flange sections a. three of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said ceiling portion b. two of said flange sections depending outwardly of said angle from said wall portion in a direction generally normal thereto, c. and a sixth flange section, comprising a substantially flat surface, and forming with said five flange sections a substantially continuous flange peripherally surrounding the entire module, d. each of said flange sections of said module in substantially normal abutting contact with adjacent flange sections, providing a module which is peripherally rectilinear and interiorly substantially curvalinear, e. each of said flange sections of said module lying in a single plane and comprising a substantially flat surface for interconnection with flange sections of abutting modules, f. a flange section forming the length of said ceiling portion being equivalent to a multiple of the flange section forming the width of said ceiling portion, and g. each of said flange sections comprising
 33. A building structure comprising: A. a plurality of rectangular flat preconstructed panels all the same size; and B. a plurality of identical unitary building modules of identical size, each comprising a. integrated wall and ceiling portions, the surfaces of which are defined by
 34. A building structure as defined in claim 33 wherein said abutting ceiling flange sections abut over their entire length. 